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i didnt think the invader was dark or muddy

so my invader came in today. i have always wanted to try this pickup but i was scared it would be a big muddy mess.

well i installed it. yes it did have a big bass response but no more than other pickup i have such as the alt8 2x ceramic custom wilde l500xl. it definatlt has a big midrange push. the treble i did not find dark at all just not bright like a distortion. i actually found it a bit brighter than the alt8 and 2x custom.

as far as mud goes granted it is not a demon or full shred but i found it about as articulate as the distortion.

now to be fair it is installed in a bc above average bright superstrat. it has a heavier than normal alder body. i am also running eminence v12 in my 5150 half stack and they seem to be pretty articulate speakers.

also this is a mj wound invader from the 80's.

so what do you guys think.
1) the invader happens to work very well in that guitar.
2) your rig must be articulate enough to handle the invader.
3) mj sprinkles magic fairy dust on her pickups.
4) a differnt opinion not listed.

Re: i didnt think the invader was dark or muddy

I find it far better for palm-muted Thrash-type rhythms than leads. Solos seem a bit under-powered - not as much sustain as other pickups, even using the patches in my MP-1 that have enough gain that a Custom will sing like the fat lady.

If you're speed-picking a solo, then yeah, it's nice and articulate and you don't really have to worry about it, but if you want to hold one of the higher notes, forget it unless you've got thick strings and a massive vibrato technique.

Originally Posted by Brown Note

I'm soooooo jealous about the WR-1. It's the perfect guitar; fantastic to play, balances well even when seated and *great* reach for the upper frets. The sound is bright tight and very articulate. In summary it could only be more awesome if it had b00bs and was on fire!

Re: i didnt think the invader was dark or muddy

I even thought the leads was good. Not amazing. It defiantly more suited for rhythm but I still think it's better for them than what they get credit for. Also I am running a 496r in the neck its they work awesome together.

I would really like to have a neck pup that had the output of the 496r but better cleans. A8 swap maybe?

Re: i didnt think the invader was dark or muddy

Viv Campbell used an Invader on his Dio solos AFAIK, and people like that tone so....

In my own experience, I would rather use a JB or Distortion for solos, but I'm really starting to GAS for another Invader having been playing a few Metallica covers today with my band and then watching "Binge and Purge".